Image: Jasprit Bumrah is out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury / © GQ India
For the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India has suffered a major setback with star pacer Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to a lower back injury. Bumrah sustained the injury during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney and could not bowl in the second innings. Initially, selectors hoped for his return by the third ODI against England, but his recovery took longer than expected. As a result, Harshit Rana was named his replacement on India’s squad.
Bumrah, who played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, was the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 wickets at an economy of just 4.17 and an average of 8.26. His performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award. He was also honored as the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year after taking 71 wickets in 2024 and won the ICC Cricketer of the Year award.
With Bumrah unavailable, veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami will lead India’s pace attack. Shami recently made a comeback after an injury layoff and now has the responsibility of filling the void left by Bumrah. His experience will be crucial as India aims for success in the Champions Trophy.